The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) and the Cocoa Marketing Company (CMC) have agreed new freight rates with 18 international carriers and shipping lines for the shipment of Ghana’s cocoa during the 2026/27 season.

The agreement was reached on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at the Marc Van Peel Event Hall in Antwerp, Belgium, following negotiations between the two Ghanaian institutions and the international shipping companies.

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The GSA participation in the negotiations aimed at protecting the interests of shippers in discussions that directly affect the cost and operational conditions of Ghana’s cocoa exports.

The negotiations covered freight rates and operational arrangements for cocoa shipments to major markets in Europe, the Far East and South America.

The agreement comes as Ghana enters a new cocoa season amid changes in global shipping conditions and pressure on the country’s cocoa marketing and financing arrangements.

However under the new rates introduced, cocoa shipments to the United Kingdom will attract £32 per tonne, with a 35 per cent Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF).

Therefore shipments to the North Continent will attract €58.42 per tonne, while Estonia will attract €66.77 per tonne.

The rate for Mediterranean Europe has also been set at €65.58 per tonne, also with a 35 per cent BAF.

Meanwhile the agreed rate for the Far East is at US$112.80 per tonne, while Japan will attract US$119.14 per tonne and Brazil US$130.54 per tonne.

The rates for these three destinations are inclusive of the BAF.

The negotiations also addressed how cocoa shipments will be handled following the move from Less than Container Load/Full Container Load (LCL/FCL) to Full Container Load/Full Container Load (FCL/FCL).

According to the agreement shipping lines will continue to provide dressing materials, position empty containers at stuffing areas and bear the lift-on/lift-off costs.

“Shipping lines will continue to provide dressing materials, position empty containers at stuffing areas, and bear lift-on/lift-off costs. CMC will remain responsible for container dressing, stuffing, delivery to terminals, and fogging of containers,” they noted.

The shipping lines will also quote all-inclusive freight rates covering their obligations, Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) shore handling, Receipt and Delivery charges and other incidental loading costs.

However freight payments will be made in US dollars, while currency conversions will be based on Reuters rates on the Bill of Lading date.

The parties also agreed measures aimed at improving documentation and reducing delays in the shipment process.

“To ensure smooth documentation, carriers have been urged to release non-negotiable Bills of Lading to CMC within 24 hours of vessel sailing,” they added.

CMC has, meanwhile, committed to maintaining uniform lift-on/lift-off charges during the season agreeing to prevent increases in the prices of desiccants and other related materials throughout the 2026/27 cocoa season.

However, Ghana works to maintain predictable shipping costs and support the competitiveness of its cocoa exports in international markets.

AMAS/EB

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